Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Abstract

The ductus arteriosus is a short blood vessel that provides a communication between the aorta and the pulmonary artery. Before birth, this connection allows blood to byπass the lungs as the fetus’ blood is oxygenated by the placenta. Normally, the ductus arteriosus closes within 3 to 4 days after birth. A patent ductus arteriosus results when the duct fails to close or closes incompletely. Atypical right to left shunting of a PDA can cause the aorta to carry blood that is low in oxygen, sending a signal to the body to produce more red blood cells, making the blood too thick. PDA is the most common congenital cardiac malformation in dogs, and more prevalent in Toy breeds. Females are most often affected.